We had a great day in our school on Tuesday with the annual ‘Bunanza’. This is a great fundraising event for the school and without doubt an annual highlight for all of the children. Without the hugely generous support from the parent body this really couldn’t happen, so we want to thank everyone for baking cakes, muffins, biscuits, apple tarts, fairy cakes, tray bakes, rice krispie cakes etc. in order for us to make this the best Bunanza to date.

Today is the 1st of February and St. Brigid’s day. In our school today there were lots of stories, information, construction and games based on our Patron saint St. Brigid.

Brigid decided that she would spend her life working for God by looking after poor, sick and elderly people. Legend says that she prayed that her beauty would be taken away from her so no one would seek her hand in marriage; her prayer was granted. News of Brigid’s good works spread and soon many young girls from all over the country joined her in the convent. Brigid founded many convents all over Ireland; the most
famous one was in Co. Kildare. Making a St. Brigid’s cross is one of the traditional rituals in Ireland to celebrate the beginning of early spring, 1st February. St. Brigid died in AD 525 at the age of 75 and was buried in a tomb before the High Altar of her Abbey church.

We have a very proud tradition of supporting local families through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul every Christmas and this morning showed the incredible support we have from parents and our school community. Cars filled the school grounds and carpark as volunteer parents came to transport all our offerings into head office for their distribution this evening. This year we decided to change our approach slightly to tailor our contributions to specific families.

Each class between first and sixth looked after one family. Each class draw up a wish list for the family, to include a mixture of treats and practical items to create a complete care package for their family. They started to bring their contributions immediately, and each class kept their store of items until collection day, today! The junior and senior infant classes were asked to bring something for the elderly- the grannies and granddads. Again, a mixture of practical and treat items. This new approach generated lots of interesting discussion and planning in the classrooms and promoted cooperation and the joy of giving. As the children donated to the appeal, they added a hand to the giving tree, a lovely reflection of the spirit of generosity that is flourishing in St Oliver Plunkett School.

The green team and students council have decided to join forces to raise funds for Crumlin Hospital and Focus Ireland. On Wednesday 21st Dec. we will have a special WOW day. Children are invited to walk, scoot, cycle or take public transport to school wearing a Santa hat and are allowed to wear their Christmas jumper on this day and to donate 2 euro to help these organisations and we hope everyone will donate generously. Walking buses will meet at the following locations;

Seapark/Biscayne meeting at bollards @ 8.25

Moorings meeting at the Green @ 8.30

Village meeting at Sylvester Church @ 8.30

The Hill meeting opposite Hill Top Stores @8.40

Many thanks to the parents who have volunteered to walk with the buses. Younger children must be accompanied with an adult.

Remember to bring old mobile phones and batteries to school in January for recycling.